Program Overview
Launch a bright career with the latest industry knowledge and technology with the New England Institute of Technology’s associate electrical technology degree program.
Here, you’ll learn electrical science across various industrial applications that will set you apart from the competition during your job search. The electrical technology associate degree will give you the right technical skills to pursue a much wider range of fast-evolving career options in the electrical field, such as industrial and manufacturing automation, among many other opportunities.
The curriculum integrates basic electrical theory and hands-on application. You’ll receive practical training in our leading-edge industry labs taught by experts in the field.
This will give you the skills to wire and install electrical systems and apparatus according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards and the mathematical and practical knowledge to support, explain and troubleshoot a wide variety of electrical projects.
Aspirants typically start their electrical technology associate’s degree classes after their high school diploma. Alternatively, they could begin after their GED. They must also be above 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and pass an aptitude test.
Read More The electrical technology associate degree program trains students for entry-level careers in the electrical industry. Some diverse careers open to graduates are construction electricians, maintenance electricians, power system technicians, electrical relay technicians, electrical research technicians, electrical distribution sales, electro-mechanical technicians, electrical technical support, and entry-level controls engineer. The curriculum integrates electrical theory and practical application to give students the manual skills to wire and install electrical systems and apparatus and the mathematical and practical knowledge to support, explain and troubleshoot a wide variety of electrical projects. Computer programs are a part of the coursework to help practice circuit calculations, create working models that simulate real circuit conditions, and support classroom lectures and demonstrations. The electrical technology course gives equal importance to the safety rules, protocols, and procedures laid out in the national, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island electrical codes and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for the construction and general industries. Laboratory projects, ranging from elementary breadboard experiments to advanced PLC ladder logic control circuits, provide hands-on experience to develop wiring techniques and simulate actual job conditions in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. After completing the associate in science degree in electrical technology at the school, the graduate may seek employment in entry-level careers in the electrical industry and can work as an apprentice electrician or technician. Today’s electricians install, repair, and maintain all electrical systems, including security, climate control, and communications. The technical skills may include installing intercom systems, service street lights, and electrical control systems. Technicians may work in diverse environments, from residential to commercial projects, according to the relevant codes. According to the BLS website, Rhode Island employs up to 2,820 electricians as of May 2021 despite being the smallest state in the US. There is also a potential 5.7% rise in demand in the future. The New England Institute of Technology campus that offers the Electrical Technology associate degree program is the Post Road Campus, located at 2500 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886. All electricians in Rhode Island require a license to work, which they can get from the Department of Labor and Training (DLT). The usual path to follow is – RI provides only journeyman and electrical contractor’s licenses. The state does not offer a master electrician license. Specialty electrical licenses in RI include: According to BLS, the national estimate for the annual mean wage of electricians is $63,310, and the mean hourly wage is $30.44. Compared to this, the yearly and mean hourly wages in RI are $59,940 and $28.82, respectively. However, salaries in RI can widely depend on your experience, skill, and quality of services. Apprentice electricians typically earn $20.57 per hour with $6,000 overtime per year. On the other hand, independent contractors can earn up to $36.57 per hour with $10,000 overtime per year. Electrician associate degree graduates can also pursue NEIT’s Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering technology program.Full Description
Job Outlook in Rhode Island
The NEIT Campus That Offers Electrical Technology
License Requirements for Electricians in Rhode Island
Salary Data for Electricians in Rhode Island
Potential Career Opportunities
As technology and infrastructure grow, there is an increasing demand for more industrial electricians. The avenues include public utilities, large industrial plants, electrical contractors, government agencies, construction companies, hospitals, school districts, and building contractors. With an associate degree in Electrical Technology, the diverse career paths for graduates include:
Construction Electrician
Maintenance Electrician
Power System Electrician
Electrical Research Technician
Field Service Engineer
Commercial/Industrial Electrician
FAQ
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Is electrical technology hard?
Electrical technology can be a complicated subject, but individuals who like to work with their hands and have a knack for both problem solving and abstract thinking will excel in their degree program at school.
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What’s the difference between electrical technology and electrical engineering?
Electrical technology programs train to wire, repair, and maintain electrical systems. Electrical engineering programs emphasize the theory and practice of the actual design and development of these systems.
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How much do electrical techs make?
Current statistics on potential salaries and job outlook are listed on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.
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What do electrical technologists do?
Electrical engineering technologists and technicians perform installations, repairs, and maintenance work on electrical systems.
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Can the Electrical Technology Program Students Apply for Financial Aid?
Yes, the Financial Aid Office at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) helps you take advantage of the federal, state, and private programs. We also help you fill out the form and apply for the FAFSA aid.